Neil, originally from Ireland was based in Melbourne for two years before moving to PRIA's head office in Sydney in February 2014. He has a Bachelor Degree (Hons) in Business Studies and Cultural Arts Event Management as well as a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Public Relations and Event Management.

He has worked for an experiential marketing agency as a junior executive focusing on branding, FMCG, event strategies and product development. He also has over five years’ experience working in communications for the not-for-profit and charity industries; four of which were as a Regional Development Officer for Special Olympics Ireland. In 2012 Neil worked with Oxfam Australia in their communications team for the Trailwalker events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. He draws on his extensive not-for-profit experience in delivering outstanding communications and events for our members.

Neil has also plays semi-professional soccer in the NSW State League 1 for Stanmore Hawks, and is a former State Secretary of the Special Olympics Victoria Board.

Starting life as a teacher, Julian taught English in Italy before joining TAFE NSW, where he became Head Teacher. His involvement in management and recruitment led to a career in Human Resources, which culminated in three years as a learning and development consultant. Julian joined PRIA in February 2009 to coordinate the university accreditation process. He now provides secretariat to the National Education Committee and the NSW Mentoring Steering Committee as well as managing PDPs in NSW and nationally.

Johnathon is an events and marketing professional with experience in the management of conferences, awards evenings, gala dinners, cocktail and social events, seminars, meetings and more. He is a positive and detail-oriented professional committed to excellence and passionate about learning, achieving goals and helping others do the same. Johnathon holds a Diploma of Events and an Advanced Diploma of Venues & Events. With 5+ years industry experience in event management, he brings enthusiasm and fresh new ideas to the PRIA team.

After running Convention Wise (a meetings and event management company based in Hobart) for 8 years, Phil spent 2 years with MCI Australia. In 2014 he became a sole trader, trading as Meetings Plus. As a previous school teacher in Hobart for many years, with a Masters in Educational Studies, Phil brings a breadth of experience to working with people in small and large groups. Phil was an Accredited Meeting Manager with Meetings Events Australia - the peak professional Meetings and Events Industry Association. He was also a Director of MEA for over 5 years. Amongst many other things, he has been a Director of the Lady Nelson Trust, the site manager for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart, and a National Councillor for the Australian College of Educators. He has travelled widely and lived and worked in the USA, England and Switzerland.

Graduating from Murdoch University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Communications, Eamon majored in Communication & Media Studies, and Public Relations. Through out his studies his involvement in number of PR and media related roles saw him gain insightful experience into the industry. He was an active member and treasurer of the PURE committee; the student body for PR students at Murdoch. Prior to completing his final semester he undertook a communications internship in Beijing, that has ignited his passion for travel and international relations. Eamon is looking forward to the exciting new opportunities and networks PRIA can offer.

Alicja Rudz
Events and Operations Executive - Queensland

Alicja has over six years of experience in communication and public relations having enjoyed working in the United Kingdom at Transport for London, Coca-Cola, and airports operator BAA. As PR manager for BAA’s Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect high-speed rail services, Alicja developed specialist knowledge in strategic and integrated communication, crisis management, media and government relations, and event management.

Along with the PRIA, she works part-time as a research assistant in the School of Communication and Arts at The University of Queensland while she finishes off her degrees in Journalism and Arts (Writing) at UQ. She also works as an academic tutor in journalism and communication at UQ’s Emmanuel College and Union College, as well as a freelance PR specialist and journalist. When she’s not working she enjoys photography and occasionally attempts screenwriting.

Currently in her final year at Monash University, Lauren is studying a double business degree majoring in Management, Marketing and Econometrics. She has completed multiple internships in marketing and event management outside of her studies in addition to her roles as vice-president of the Business and Commerce Student Society and president of Golden Key within Monash. While balancing university commitments and work, Lauren continues to volunteer with multiple charity events to give back to the community as well as gain valuable event operations experience.